Travellers look to Asia-Pacific as booking windows normalise

May 16, 2023

Skyscanner’s new report reveals the increased search volumes by travellers and the growing popularity of Asia-Pacific destinations
Travellers from EMEA and the America regions are favouring destinations in Asia-Pacific
Tourism boards in Asia-Pacific will need to intensify marketing efforts to ensure their destinations stay top of mind among travellers

More travellers are looking to visit destinations in Asia-Pacific

Skyscanner’s new report, Skyscanner Horizons: Destination & Booking Insights Q1 2023, which explores the latest trends in global travel, has identified a spike in the number of travellers searching for travel inspiration as well as growing popularity of Asia-Pacific destinations among different geographical markets.

The study states that despite a backdrop of higher airfares and a challenging economic climate for some, travelling internationally remains a top priority for many people across the world.

Skyscanner platforms now see more than 100 million unique monthly visitors, which Mike Ferguson, director of destination marketing at Skyscanner, said was “indicative of both the sector’s continued recovery and the exceptional travel demand across all regions”.

Ferguson added: “Destinations, particularly in Asia-Pacific, are benefitting from increased search volumes compared to last year and, at the same time, longhaul booking windows are lengthening. Longhaul international travel has been slower to recover than other segments, but 2023 looks set to change that.”

EMEA market – all ready for summer
Travellers in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa regions (EMEA) are working out their summer vacations, with flights being booked two to three months in advance.

Bookings for shorthaul summer sojourns are mostly made at least 90 days ahead (31 per cent of travellers), but this is a 15 percentage point decline over 1Q2019, as some travellers prefer to book closer to their departure dates. The 60-89-day booking window showed the greatest increment (25 per cent) compared against 1Q2019.

For longhaul trips, bookings made more than 90 days ahead have increased by 11 per cent over 1Q2019 to reach a 40 per cent share in 1Q2023. This reflects greater traveller confidence in booking trips to places farther away.

In terms of trending destinations for the next six months from March till September 2023, most of the top 10 countries are in Asia-Pacific.

The report states that travellers in EMEA are taking advantage of recent border reopenings and the relaxation of restrictions across Asia. Taiwan takes first spot, with a 791 per cent spike in searches in 1Q2023 compared to the same period in 2022. Japan (+433 per cent), Laos (+367 per cent), China (+359 per cent), Saudi Arabia (+264 per cent), Malaysia (+259 per cent), Albania (+254 per cent), Singapore (+245 per cent), South Korea (+215 per cent) and Vietnam (+201 per cent) make up the rest of the top 10 ranking, in descending order.

AMER markets – longhaul returns to pre-pandemic norms
Almost 40 per cent of longhaul flights booked by travellers in North, Central, and South America regions (AMER) are made over 90 days before departure.

The highest growth was seen in the 60-89 day booking window, with number of bookings up by nearly a fifth (19 per cent) in 1Q2023 compared to 1Q2019.

These outcomes reflect continued preference and confidence in booking bigger, usually more expensive trips at least three months ahead, likely to places that have recently opened up in Asia-Pacific.

Similar to EMEA markets, travellers in AMER are favouring Asia-Pacific. Seven out of the top 10 trending destinations from March to September 2023 are in Asia-Pacific.

China takes first spot, with a 317 per cent spike in searches in 1Q2023 compared to the same period in 2022. Japan (+266 per cent), Taiwan (+215 per cent), Singapore (+172 per cent), Malaysia (+169 per cent), New Zealand (+136 per cent), Norway (+127 per cent), Morocco (+125 per cent), Saudi Arabia (+125 per cent) and Fiji (+118 per cent) make up the rest of the top 10 ranking, in descending order.

APAC markets – regional travel leads the way
Booking lead times remain short – less than one week and between seven and 29 days – for Asia-Pacific travellers looking to fly domestically. For shorthaul trips, bookings are secured seven to 29 days and 30 to 59 days – these two booking windows comprise nearly two-thirds of the total for shorthaul searches at the end of Q1.

For longhaul trips, more are booking far ahead. Windows of at least 90 days see a 22 per cent increment, while 60 to 89 days is up by 10 per cent in 1Q2023 versus the same period in 2019.

Seven out of the top 10 trending destinations for these travellers are within Asia-Pacific, due to improved air connections following the easing of restrictions.

Destinations not within the region include ‘Everywhere’, Skyscanner’s popular search feature that gives travellers inspiration on when and where to travel, as well as Austria and Hungary – most likely due to recent increases in non-stop flights to Europe.

Taiwan takes first spot, with a 1,426 per cent spike in searches in 1Q2023 compared to the same period in 2022. Laos (+895 per cent), Japan (+800 per cent), Everywhere (+701 per cent), Mongolia (+679 per cent), China (+618 per cent), Thailand (+580 per cent), Vietnam (+545 per cent), Austria (+469 per cent) and Hungary (+462 per cent) make up the rest of the top 10 ranking, in descending order.

Destination marketing intensifies
With traveller interest in Asia-Pacific on the rise across geographical markets, Ferguson told TTG Asia that tourism boards in this region “will have to intensify their (marketing) efforts to ensure their destinations are top of mind” among travellers.

He said: “The trending interest in Asia-Pacific destinations across various markets has created a highly competitive landscape, as more countries and cities vie for attention. To stand out, tourism boards will need to develop compelling marketing campaigns, highlight unique aspects of their destinations, and showcase the diverse range of experiences they offer.

“Collaborations with airlines, travel agencies, and online platforms will play a crucial role in promoting Asia-Pacific destinations and capturing the attention of potential travellers worldwide.”

The destination marketing rush has led to a “significant increase in destination promotions partnerships” with Skyscanner this year.

When asked what types of destination marketing messaging stand out in particular now, Ferguson pointed to an “emphasis on emotional and experiential messaging”.

“Destinations understand the power of evoking feelings and memories associated with travel, and they are leveraging this to remind people of the joy and transformative experiences that it brings. These messages aim to highlight the unique attributes of each destination, whether it is showcasing breathtaking landscapes, authentic local experiences, or extraordinary cultural encounters,” he detailed.

“Immersive videos and visually captivating imagery are also being used as part of this storytelling to transport would-be travellers to far corners of the world and create a strong desire to explore and embark on memorable journeys once again,” he added.

One ongoing example of such destination messaging, according to Ferguson, is the Tourism Western Australia campaign. Titled Western Australia – Walking on a dream / Perth: where amazing adventures begin, the campaign with Skyscanner plays up the destination’s unique landscapes, wildlife and road trips that will appeal to holidaymakers as well as work/leisure blended travellers.

TBO.com launches travel trade promotion across Asia-Pacific

By TTG Asia

May 16, 2023

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TBO.com – the global distribution platform for travel agents – is celebrating the peak season with its Book n Win Bonanza from now until June 30.

The promotion will give travel bookers across the region a chance to win guaranteed prizes upon completing bookings across all their products.

TBO’s Book n Win Bonanza allows travel bookers across Asia-Pacific the chance to win prizes upon completing bookings across all their products

To participate, agents will need to make a minimum threshold booking of US$2,000, which will automatically allow them to spin a wheel and win prizes such as iPhones, cruises, hotel and shopping vouchers, electronic products, and TBO+ Reward points. There is also a raffle draw for the grand prize – a Honda BR-V car.

The campaign will run throughout the duration of the promotion and across multiple digital platforms, including TTG Asia.

The promotion has received positive response, shared Vijayeta James, TBO’s commercial director APAC, with over 500 agents from Indonesia and the Philippines having already won prizes.

Christchurch Airports works towards restoring air links, improving green credentials

By Rachel AJ Lee

May 16, 2023

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Christchurch Airport is working tirelessly to restore air links, update hardware and advance on sustainability goals – all to ensure the country has a healthy second airport.

Scott Callaway, general manager, trade development, Christchurch Airport, said a reliable second airport is crucial in the event of weather incidents.

Christchurch Airport’s Hydrogen Consortium aims to pioneer the commercial deployment of green hydrogen-powered aircraft

Callaway said: “We need to work hard to build our international arrivals up, as they are of high value to New Zealand and the South Island.”

Christchurch Airport is the gateway to South Island, which is working to achieve 40 per cent of international arrivals to New Zealand.

In 2019, Christchurch Airport welcomed seven million passengers a year.

“We did some research previously, and for every dollar we bring into the economy, NZ$50 (US$31.70) is spent downstream, and that is a big multiplier that goes beyond Christchurch and spread throughout the South Island,” added Callaway.

When asked about air links with China, he said the airport currently has an “undertaking from China Southern Airlines”.

He said: “China is really important to the South Island and Christchurch Airport. We’ve done a lot of work in marketing (to the Chinese market), such as partnering with Alibaba. Our expectation is that it will come back strong. (For now), it is still quite early in its recovery.”

There are also discussions with Singapore Airlines and Emirates, two carriers that are crucial in bringing in international visitors. Unfortunately, ticket prices on both carriers are sky high, driven up by pent-up demand from both business and leisure travellers.

“At some point in the next six to 12 months, we should see a softening in pricing. The demand will still be high, but I think that (the current pricing) is temporary,” he opined.

In addition to sustainability initiatives in place since 2016 – such as hand-sorting rubbish and introducing electric vehicles – Christchurch Airport is also exploring the feasibility of electric planes. In fact, New Zealand’s first two-seater electric plane was assembled in Christchurch.

“The future of aviation is on everybody’s mind. Although we don’t believe that electric planes have a huge place in the future, their technology is something worth exploring,” Callaway remarked.

More crucial in the airport’s sustainability efforts is the Hydrogen Consortium announced in February 2023, where the vision is to support the country in pioneering the commercial deployment of green hydrogen-powered aircraft. Consortium partners include Christchurch Airport, Airbus, Air New Zealand, global green energy company Fortescue Future Industries, next generation energy company Hiringa Energy, and liquid hydrogen solution pioneers Fabrum.

“The cost of producing hydrogen and delivering it to the aviation industry is a consideration. (We are looking into) producing our own hydrogen, which will lower the cost as it is a complex material to transport. If we can start producing it, we get an economic advantage,” he pointed out.

The first phase will focus on research, which will be completed by the end of 2023. The second phase will focus on whether hydrogen aircraft test flights can be held in New Zealand.

Japanese retailers prepare for international shoppers

By Kathryn Wortley

May 16, 2023

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Japanese retailers are expanding their duty-free offering and hiring multilingual staff in anticipation of a surge in inbound tourists following the complete removal of the country’s border measures on April 29.

As visitors to Japan spent a record 4.81 trillion yen (US$43.6 billion) on shopping in 2019, retailers are preparing for a sharp rebound in sales in the coming months.

International visitors numbered 4.8 million over January-March 2023, amounting to about 60 per cent of pre-pandemic levels; and 1.82 million arrived in March alone, a record-high since the pandemic, which the Japan National Tourism Organization attributes to the popular cherry blossom season and the return of international cruises at Japanese ports.

Japanese retailers are preparing to welcome more international visitors at their branches across the country.

Drugstore and health and beauty product retailer MatsukiyoCocokata & Co., has boosted the number of its stores offering duty-free shopping by 20 per cent to 1,200 nationwide.

Yamada Holdings, one of the largest consumer electronics and home appliances retail chains in Japan, has increased the ratio of its duty-free locations to 30 per cent, up from 10 per cent pre-pandemic. The company also plans to operate 260 stores from this month, up from 170 pre-pandemic, including at newly-opened sites in rural areas.

Japan’s largest department store group Isetan Mitsukoshi increased the number of staff engaged in its personal shopping section, which caters to wealthy individuals including tourists, by 40 per cent in April.

Matsuya Co., which operates department stores in Tokyo’s Ginza and Asakusa districts, is also eyeing more staff as a result of its preliminary duty-free sales figures for March, which showed recovery to 99 per cent of sales in March 2019, with jewellery and luxury items, in particular, selling well.

Osaka-headquartered department store Daimaru Matsuzakaya, meanwhile, is equipping more employees with handheld translation devices.

Princess Cruises welcomes the Star Princess

By TTG Asia

May 16, 2023

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Princess Cruises has revealed the name of its second Sphere Class cruise ship – Star Princess, which will debut on August 4, 2025 with her inaugural Mediterranean sailing.

Star Princess joins Sun Princess as the largest ships ever built for Princess Cruises. The new ship will carry 4,300 guests, and feature intimate settings with a number of new spaces such as transformational entertainment venue The Dome; an array of F&B concepts; an expanded casino; a two-story spa; and entertainment headlined by Cirque Éloize.

Star Princess is Princess Cruises’ second Sphere Class cruise ship

Guests will have a variety of staterooms and suites choices, including the new Reserve and Signature Collections.

Star Princess will be the second in the Princess fleet to be powered by LNG fuel technology and built with the most advanced sustainable innovations available.

Star Princess cruises go on sale from June 1, 2023.

New luxury package at Anantara Angkor Resort

By TTG Asia

May 16, 2023

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The new Ultra Luxury Package from Anantara Angkor Resort combines an action-packed Angkor Wat adventure with a three-night stay near Cambodia’s most sacred site – the temples of Angkor Wat.

The package features a host of experiences beyond the ruins: scenic countryside rides by bicycle, quad, Vespa or vintage jeep; kayaking through the floating villages of Tonle Sap lake; cooking classes; healing Khmer massage therapies; and much more.

Guests can participate in cooking classes with Anantara’s signature Spice Spoons experience

To help guests build a luxury Siem Reap itinerary that best matches their interests, the resort’s Experience Butler will be on hand to plan everything from private tours of Angkor Wat at sunrise to special dining experiences.

Priced from US$950 per night for two, the Ultra Luxury Package includes accommodation in a suite, daily meals, VIP arrival experience, daily bespoke tours and experiences, return airport transfers, Angkor Wat exploration with guide, transport and passes provided, an Angkor Eye ride, tuk-tuk transfers into town, one spa treatment per person, and more.

For more information, visit Anantara Angkor Resort.

Emirates creates aviation sustainability fund

By TTG Asia

May 15, 2023

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Emirates has committed US$200 million towards research and development (R&D) projects focused on reducing the impact of fossil fuels in commercial aviation, with funds to be disbursed over three years.

The airline will also identify partnerships with leading organisations working on solutions in advanced fuel and energy technologies, with the Emirates’ Environmental Sustainability Executive Steering Group overseeing disbursements.

Emirates will partner organisations that are working on solutions in advanced fuel and energy technologies

“We are ring-fencing US$200 million to invest in advanced fuel and energy solutions for aviation, which is where airlines currently face the biggest impediment in reducing our environmental impact,” said Emirates Airline’s president, Tim Clark.

“We looked long and hard at the reality we face in commercial aircraft and engine technology, fuel supply chain, and our industry’s regulatory and eco-system requirements. It’s clear that with the current pathways available to airlines in terms of emissions reduction, our industry won’t be able to hit net zero targets in the prescribed timeline.

“We believe our industry needs better solutions, and that’s why we’re looking to partner with leading organisations on R&D. Our aim is to contribute meaningfully to practical solutions for the long-term sustainability of commercial aviation.”

He added that Emirates will continue to implement environmentally responsible practices throughout our business until viable solutions can be found – these include uplifting SAF, ensuring fleet operations are efficient, and inducting modern aircraft into the fleet.

Clark emphasised that the fund does not apply to “activities we consider business-as-usual”.

Emirates’ environmental policy and strategy focuses its activities on three areas: emissions reduction, responsible consumption, and the conservation of wildlife and habitats.

The airline successfully completed the first 100 per cent SAF-powered demonstration flight in January, which was in partnership with Boeing and GE.

It also participates in a range of industry working groups and stakeholder engagements on sustainable aviation fuel, and has contributed to the development of the UAE’s power-to-liquid fuels roadmap, launched in July 2022, as well as the UAE’s National Sustainable Aviation Fuel Roadmap launched in January 2023.

The airline’s comprehensive fuel efficiency programme comprises initiatives like flexible routings – partnering with air navigation service providers to create the most efficient flight plan; and fuel efficient practices when on the ground by using ground power units instead of the aircraft Auxiliary Power Unit and switching one or two engines off while taxiing in after landing.

Japan starts campaign to promote outbound travel

By Kathryn Wortley

May 15, 2023

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Japan has selected 24 countries and regions in Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific to receive priority promotion as tourist destinations in a newly-launched project to boost outbound tourism.

Run by the Japan Tourism Agency (JTA) and the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA), the project aims to support the country’s airline and travel agencies, whose recovery has been slowed due to Japanese people’s hesitancy to resume international trips.

Japan hopes to encourage outbound travel to 24 countries and regions with the launch of a new campaign

Only 694,000 Japanese people travelled overseas in March 2023, equating to 36 per cent of the number recorded in March 2019.

The JTA and JATA announced the list of recommended locations as part of a public promotion of their initiative to unveil the slogan Ima-koso! Kaigai, which means “now’s the time to go abroad”.

The 24 countries and regions are China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Canada, the US, Hawaii, Guam, Mexico, Spain, Finland, France, the UK, Germany, Italy, Turkey and Australia.

The official tourism bureaus of these destinations will collaborate with JTA and JATA to heighten the appeal of their offerings for the Japanese market, while Japan-based travel agencies are set to create more competitively priced packages aimed at younger people.

“We hope that this declaration will be a good opportunity for people to travel overseas,” said the JTA in a statement. “The appeal of overseas travel lies in spending invaluable time in breathtaking scenery, tasting authentic local cuisine and interacting with people from other countries.”

The campaign aims to “pave the way toward recovery in travellers during the summer holidays”, added JATA chairman Hiroyuki Takahashi.

JATA also announced it will open lottery applications on May 15 for Japanese people who acquire a 10-year passport and fly overseas between July 1 and September 30. Winners will receive 8,000 yen (US$59) in electronic money.

Crystalbrook adds another hotel to its collection; develops sustainable growth strategy

By Rachel AJ Lee

May 15, 2023

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Australia-headquartered Crystalbrook Collection has purchased a second property in Sydney down in The Rocks, allowing it to take its expansion plans forward.

Sophia Bakopanos, director brand and digital marketing, Crystalbook Collection, said: “We are working very closely with the local indigenous community in Sydney, where we speak with them about their stories and what’s important to them, so that we can use the hotel to help share and celebrate those stories. I think as tourism operators, this is something we have to be accountable for, as it is a pivotal part of Australian history,” she elaborated.

Each Crystalbrook property exudes its own personality based on its neighbourhood; Crystalbrook Kingsley, pictured

She stressed that none of Crystalbrook’s properties are “cookie-cutter”. Instead, each property sports its own personality derived from the location it stands in. Aside from protecting culture, minimising waste and promoting responsible travel are Crystalbrook’s other aims. The group currently has seven hotels in operation throughout Australia.

Bakopanos said: “We’re also quite keen to have a hotel in Melbourne; and if there’s an opportunity, New Zealand, (before we look even) farther afield. We want to ensure the company’s growth strategy is sustainable, while looking for opportunities to better the way in which our hotels operate.”

She told TTG Asia that Crystalbrook Collection is strong domestically, and international demand is returning slowly, aided by new air routes such as Virgin Australia’s Cairns-Haneda flight commencing June 28.

As such, Bakopanos is planning for the group’s “international PR strategy to build partnerships”, as well as collaboration with OTAs.

To garner more interest from the public, Crystalbook positions its bars and restaurants as destinations on their own.

“Hotels have a stigma that their restaurants aren’t great, so we’re trying to change that perception. So far, this strategy has worked out for us,” noted Bakopanos.

Polar explorer Patrick Woodhead births new adventure tour

By TTG Asia

May 15, 2023

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White Desert, established by record-breaking polar explorer Patrick Woodhead and his wife in 2005 to bring travellers into the belly of Antarctica, has crafted a new adventure – a 21-day journey that will take guests to 10 iconic destinations across seven continents.

Named 7 Continent Adventure, the tour is the first product of the White Desert World series, which will welcome other tours in the future.

Kwessi Dunes lodges (pictured) is nestled in the NamibRand Nature Reserve, one of southern Africa’s largest private nature reserves

The tour is said to be as diverse as it is luxurious.

Co-founder and CEO of White Desert, Patrick Woodhead said: “These countries have been chosen because they are unusual, many are hard-to-reach destinations, and they all epitomise the height of adventure without sacrificing a luxurious experience.”

Starting in Mexico City, guests will travel to Colombia, Easter Island, Fiji, Borneo, India, Turkey, Namibia, South Africa, and conclude with White Desert’s signature trip – into Antarctica. The finale even comes with two choices – either White Desert Antarctica’s Greatest Day trip into the 7th Continent, where they will have a few hours on ice, or extend their stay for a further five days in Antarctica before flying back to Cape Town (numbers strictly limited).

The tour will focus on offering authentic, local experiences and highlights will include Caribbean cooking in Cartagena, a graffiti street art tour of Getsemani, and a sailing trip to Club de Pesca for a night of rum, chocolate and salsa music. Guests will also get to sample the best food and drink offerings, experience epic street parties, join in with local traditions, go on off-the-beaten track city tours, enjoy collaborations with artisans and musicians, and more.

Guests will travel around the world in a unique Boeing 757-200 set up in a private configuration with 50 lie-flat seats. All air operations will endeavour to use sustainable aviation fuel where possible and the White Desert World journey will be fully offset.

White Desert World’s 7 Continent Adventure is available for a maximum of 50 guests and will take place from January 10 to 31, 2024. White Desert World’s team will be travelling alongside the group and experienced local guides will be supporting on the ground in each destination. Prices start from US$178,000 per person, with a supplement for an Antarctic extension starting from US$32,000 per person.

White Desert World works with travel agents to retail the experience to their customers.

Travellers look to Asia-Pacific as booking windows normalise

TBO.com launches travel trade promotion across Asia-Pacific

Christchurch Airports works towards restoring air links, improving green credentials

Japanese retailers prepare for international shoppers

Princess Cruises welcomes the Star Princess

New luxury package at Anantara Angkor Resort

Emirates creates aviation sustainability fund

Japan starts campaign to promote outbound travel

Crystalbrook adds another hotel to its collection; develops sustainable growth strategy

Polar explorer Patrick Woodhead births new adventure tour

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